September 5, 2025

NASA has given a major boost to Indian-origin scientist Amit Kshatriya by making him one of its highest-ranking civil service officials. With two decades of experience, he now holds the prestigious post of NASA’s associate administrator. In a press statement on September 3, NASA announced, "Acting NASA Administrator Sean P. Duffy Wednesday named Amit Kshatriya as the new associate administrator of NASA, the agency’s top civil service role." Kshatriya has played a key role at NASA, most recently leading the Moon to Mars Programme. He was in charge of planning and executing the crewed Artemis missions to the Moon, setting the stage for humanity’s first journey to Mars. NASA explained that he will "help carry forward the agency’s vision to return astronauts to the lunar surface during President Donald Trump’s term." Sean P. Duffy, NASA Administrator, showered praise on him: "Amit has spent more than two decades as a dedicated public servant at NASA, working to advance American leadership in space. Under his leadership, the agency will chart a bold vision to return to the Moon during President Trump’s term." He added, "Amit’s knowledge, integrity, and unwavering commitment to pioneering a new era of exploration make him uniquely qualified to lead our agency as associate administrator. With Amit we’ll continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible." Born in Wisconsin and growing up in Katy, Texas, Amit Kshatriya is the son of first-generation Indian immigrants. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the California Institute of Technology in 2000 and earned a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Kshatriya started his NASA journey in 2003 as a software and robotics engineer. He helped build the International Space Station remotely. Over time, he became one of only 100 people ever to serve as a mission control flight director. His excellence has been recognized with top awards. In January 2013, he won the Silver Snoopy, an astronaut’s personal achievement honor. Four years later, in April 2017, he received NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal for leading the 50th expedition to the space station. Kshatriya’s story is a thrilling mix of dedication, skill, and pioneering spirit. His new role promises exciting chapters in space exploration, especially for India-born talents making waves worldwide.

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Tags: Nasa, Amit kshatriya, Moon to mars, Artemis missions, Space exploration, Indian-origin scientist,